Ceramic Travel Mugs: Worth The Hype?

Ceramic travel mugs are a great way to keep your drinks hot and spill-free while on the go. They are also more environmentally friendly than disposable cups and can make your coffee taste better. When choosing a ceramic travel mug, consider factors such as size, lid type, ease of cleaning, leak-proof capabilities, and temperature retention. Some popular options include the Zojirushi, Brumate, and Owala SmoothSip Slider mugs, which offer excellent heat retention and leak-proof designs. Ceramic mugs with silicone sleeves, such as the NOVA CERAMICS mug, can also provide added protection and comfort. Ultimately, the best ceramic travel mug for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Ceramic-lined vs fully ceramic

When it comes to choosing a travel mug, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to decide if you want a fully ceramic mug or one that is ceramic-lined. Here is a comparison between the two options:

Ceramic-Lined Mugs:

• Ceramic-lined mugs typically have an outer layer made of stainless steel or plastic, which provides better insulation than fully ceramic mugs. This means your drink will stay hot or cold for a longer period of time.
• They often come with leak-proof lids, making them more suitable for travel.
• The lids of ceramic-lined mugs usually have a small opening or a flip-up piece that allows for easy sipping without spills.
• Some users report that ceramic-lined mugs with plastic lids can affect the taste of the beverage, so it is recommended to opt for a mug with a ceramic or stainless-steel drinking surface.

Fully Ceramic Mugs:

• Fully ceramic mugs offer an all-ceramic pathway from the mug to your lips, which is preferred by some users for taste and health reasons.
• They are often dishwasher-safe, making them easier to clean than some ceramic-lined mugs.
• However, fully ceramic mugs typically lack insulation, so they may not keep your drink at the desired temperature for as long as ceramic-lined options.
• These mugs usually have simple lids that are easy to use and clean but may not be leak-proof.

In conclusion, the decision between a ceramic-lined or fully ceramic travel mug depends on your personal preferences. If insulation and leak-proof features are important to you, then a ceramic-lined mug with a stainless-steel exterior might be the best option. On the other hand, if you prioritize taste and ease of cleaning, a fully ceramic mug could be the better choice.

Size and shape

When it comes to size and shape, there are a few things to consider when choosing a ceramic travel mug. Firstly, you'll want to think about the capacity of the mug and whether it aligns with your typical drink size. Mug capacities typically range from 6 to 24 ounces, so consider your needs and whether you prefer a larger or smaller mug. Keep in mind that some mugs with handles might not fit in your car's cup holder, so if you plan to use it on the go, a slim, lightweight, and tapered design is ideal.

Another factor to consider is the mug's lid. Some lids have bigger openings than others, and some have features like snap-on or twist-off mechanisms. If you plan to use your mug during your commute, you might prefer a lid that can be easily operated with one hand. Additionally, some lids might affect your drinking experience, with some users reporting that certain lids cause their noses to bump against the mug while drinking.

The shape of the mug's base is also worth considering. A tapered base can increase the risk of the mug tipping over, so if stability is a priority, look for a mug with a wider base.

Lastly, the overall shape and design of the mug can impact its functionality. For example, a mug with a handle might be more comfortable to hold, especially if you have petite hands. On the other hand, a mug with a slim and sleek design might be more portable and fit better in your car's cup holder or bag. Ultimately, the size and shape you choose should align with your personal preferences and how you plan to use the mug.

Insulation

Some ceramic travel mugs have double-walled insulation to keep drinks hot or cold for longer. For example, the Mora Double-Wall Ceramic Coffee Travel Mug keeps drinks hot or cold for up to two hours. The Kyocera Twist Top Ceramic Insulated Travel Mug keeps liquids hot or cold for at least six to twelve hours, depending on the starting temperature.

However, purely ceramic mugs are fragile, break easily, and don't keep drinks warm for very long. A good alternative is a ceramic-coated stainless steel mug, which combines the insulation properties of stainless steel with the taste of a ceramic mug. The Contigo TWISTSEAL Glaze, for instance, is a ceramic-lined stainless steel mug that keeps drinks hot for up to seven hours and cold for up to eighteen hours.

Ease of cleaning

The ease of cleaning a ceramic travel mug depends on its design and whether it is dishwasher-safe. Some mugs have lids that are difficult to clean, with small parts that require a lot of disassembly and intricate steps for reassembly. Other mugs have lids that are easy to clean, with parts that can be easily washed by hand or are dishwasher-safe. For example, the lids of the Kinto Day Off Travel Tumbler and the MiiR Insulated Travel Tumbler cannot be completely removed, making it difficult to clean the area around the drinking spout. On the other hand, the lid of the Zojirushi Stainless-Steel Mug comes apart for easy hand washing, and the Brumate Nav is dishwasher-safe.

The Ello Mesa, Ello Ogden, and Mora Double-Walled Ceramic Travel Mugs are dishwasher-safe and have simple lids that are easy to use and clean. The Kopmath Ceramic Travel Coffee Mug, while also dishwasher-safe, has a lid that is difficult to open with one hand. The W&P Porter Ceramic Mug has a simple lid that is easy to use and clean, but it is not insulated and not leak-proof. The Frank Green Ceramic Reusable Cup has double-walled insulation and is dishwasher-safe, but the lid is hard to clean. The Nova Ceramics Reusable Coffee Cup is dishwasher-safe, but the lid is made of silicone, which may absorb flavours and odours.

Some mugs are not dishwasher-safe but have wide openings that make it easy to clean the inside with a dish brush. For example, the Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Reusable Mug is not dishwasher-safe, but its wide opening makes it easy to clean by hand. The Kinto Day Off Travel Tumbler is not dishwasher-safe, and it is impossible to open with one hand, but it has a thin circular opening that makes it easy to control the flow of liquid and prevents spills.

In addition to the design of the mug and lid, the material used can also affect the ease of cleaning. For example, the Ello Campy Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug has a cork accent in the handle, which makes it difficult to clean the inside of the handle. The Oxo Good Grips Travel Coffee Mug has a leak-proof lid that can be disassembled for easy cleaning, but the process is unintuitive and requires following embossed instructions and arrows. The Stojo On-the-Go Collapsible Silicone Travel Cup is made of silicone, which is easy to clean in the dishwasher, but it has multiple parts that can be difficult to keep track of.

Leak-proof

The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is an absolute must for anyone wanting a leak-proof travel mug. The spout cap has a sliding lock that, when engaged, makes it impossible to open or spill. The lid also comes apart for easy hand washing. The only downside is that it is not dishwasher-safe.

The Brumate Nav is another leak-proof option that is dishwasher-safe. The 'BevLock' lid uses a slider to lock a flip-top spout cover into place. It was accidentally drop-tested by one reviewer, full of hot coffee, and passed with flying colours.

The Owala SmoothSip Slider is a sleek, leak-proof option with a push-and-slide button that opens the sip spout. The lid also comes apart for easy cleaning, although it is recommended that you wash the cup itself by hand.

The Ello Campy Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug is another leak-proof option that is also dishwasher-safe (although hand-washing is recommended). It has a handle, which is a bonus for some, but it won't fit in all car cup holders.

The MiiR Insulated Travel Tumbler has a super-secure, locking flip lid that is leak-proof. However, the design makes it impossible to get the lid completely out of the way when drinking, which resulted in some coffee ending up on testers' noses.

The Kinto Day Off Travel Tumbler is a beautiful powder-coated stainless-steel tumbler with a leak-proof lid. However, it is impossible to open with one hand, which is a deal-breaker for some.

The Nova Ceramics Travel Mug is dishwasher and microwave-safe, with a lid that fits well. However, some customers have reported that it is not completely leak-proof.

The Kyocera Twist Top Ceramic Insulated Travel Mug is another option with a leak-proof lid, although there are no reviews to attest to its performance.

Frequently asked questions